Being in a rich vein of form has earned Nthabiseng Majiya (18) the prestigious title of Safa young player of the season 2021.
She was voted as the deserving recipient of this title at Safa’s year-end award ceremony held on 27 March in Sandton, Johannesburg.
This rewards Nthabiseng’s exploits for her team, Richmond United FC, in the Hollywoodbets Super League, South Africa’s premier women’s football league, as well as in the South African U20 women’s team, Basetsana. She has represented the country as U20 player in this team since 2020.
This is the first-ever prestigious award for this high-flying teenager from Philippolis in the Xhariep region of the Free State.
“I’m very thankful for my parents’ support and that of my team. I’m happy to have won my first award in my football career and it’s a great motivation,” the talented goal-getter said.
She was one of three contenders for the Golden Boot award, presented each season to the player that finishes with the most premier league goals. This award is, however, shared by Andisiwe Mgcoyi of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Nompumelelo Nyandeni of JVW FC. The pair each scored 27 goals.
Nthabiseng finished as the second best goal scorer, with 20 goals in her maiden season playing in the country’s professional league. She was therefore instrumental in her side’s campaign, scoring nearly half of the 44 goals scored by the club in league matches in 2021.
Nthabiseng previously played for Bloemfontein Strikers FC and was recruited by Richmond by talent scout Edwin Lisene, currently coaching in De Aar in the Northern Cape.
Her brilliant performance has earned her a call-up to the South African senior women’s team, Banyana Banyana.
Desiree Ellis, national head coach, has included her in the squad of 22 players for a key international friendly match against the Netherlands on 12 April.
